Counselling Services

Counselling is a key part of the service at Midland Fertility Services (MFS) and is provided to MFS patients at no additional charge whilst it relates to infertility treatment, even after they may have finished treatment.

It is available for issues that may arise when considering whether or not to proceed with treatment, for support during treatment, for the consequences of treatment and for other personal matters that may arise as a result of the emotional impact of treatment.

Advice is available on how to access long-term counselling or personal development work if needed.

Since 1990 it has been a requirement of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to give people who attend fertility clinics the opportunity to receive proper counselling by appropriately qualified people.  This is monitored at annual HFEA inspections and means there will be a note on any patient’s file that they have been made aware of the service and if they have made use of it.

However, there will be no record of the content of counselling sessions and counsellors take no part in assessment for treatment.

For some treatments clinical staff may not wish to proceed until the offer of counselling has been taken up.  This is discussed with each patient.

What is counselling?

Counselling takes place when a counsellor and a patient meet in a private, confidential setting to consider any issues.  For example, this could be distress at a loss, a decision a patient faces, a loss of a sense of direction or difficulties in a relationship.

A patient may be invited and encouraged to explore feelings and aspects of their life that impinge on the matter under consideration and to talk freely in a way that is often difficult with friends, family or members of staff at MFS.  A patient may be helped to plan a course of action that they have decided upon.  They may find a listening and comforting ear.

Seeing a counsellor does not mean that a patient is ill or inadequate.  Counselling is a tool that is available to patients to help themselves through the often difficult process of investigations and treatment.

One session may be sufficient.  Some people come more often.

Where do the counsellors work?

Counselling is normally offered at MFS in Aldridge on a Saturday.  Other arrangements can be made.  Please discuss this with an MFS nurse or by ringing the confidential counselling advice line 01332 694622.

Who are the counsellors at MFS?

All the counsellors hold recognised counselling qualifications and have an understanding of infertility treatment issues.  MFS is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and requires all counsellors to whom patients are referred to adhere to BACP’s ethical guidelines.

All counsellors with practising rights at MFS are members of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA).

Can MFS nurses provide counselling?

All staff at MFS are trained in the emotional issues that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and what are often called ‘counselling skills’.  Please feel free to use their support, particularly that of the nurses.

To make an appointment, speak with a member of staff or phone the MFS confidential counselling advice line 01332 694622.